It's Been A Hard Night's Day...
Liverpool Beatleweek Gigs, August 2000

I would like to take my hat off to that wonderful Beat Band from Texas, A Hard Night's Day, for having the most thought over set list of the week and very original it was too...
I have to say that this band are one of my personal favourites for many reasons, but most of all the choice of Beatles songs and sound! They are not one of your wig wearing bands; they are the most authentic sounding Beatle band and the last night at The Cavern Club proved it! The hairs on the back of my neck stood up when they played those awesome Beatles songs - 'Don't Ever Change', 'Leave My Kitten Alone', 'Keep Your Hands Off My Baby', 'Some Other Guy', 'Three Cool Cats', 'Sheik Of Araby', 'Lend Me Your Comb', 'Thank You Girl', 'Money', 'Long Tall Sally'…the list was endless!! I really felt that I was finally imagining what it was like to see the very early Beatles in The Cavern! They made you feel like a Beatles fan should…. they sent you weak at the knees, tears in your eyes, with the excitement of it all! And most of all, the band shared the same sense of humour as The Beatles on stage!

Having seen all seven gigs that Hard Night's Day played in Liverpool (basically because I couldn't get enough!), I was also left well impressed, by the fact that they managed to change their impressive set list every gig. As rhythm guitarist Bob Cummings told me, "We don't want to be like the other bands, we want to play the songs that other bands wouldn't even think of. You hear too much of 'She Loves You' and 'All My Loving'! We love to play the Beatles early stuff as that was what they were all about!" Another good point about the band is that they have got the Best George Harrison that I have ever heard! Well done, Danny!! He was baby Beatle George and not only could he do George but John too! Both were excellent!! Mark Ehmann who played Paul McCartney was so authentic, that you would believe he was there if you didn't know different, and the fact that he played bass guitar, left-handed was so impressive! I have to add, to that Mark is a natural left-hander! So that's what made it even more awesome to the sound! Then came the one and only master of all Ringo voices Mr Doug Cox! Who when bopping about on that drum kit at the back was certainly a perfect Bongo!! The guy was amazing and I'm sure all those avid fans who followed them about agree with me, the last night at The Cavern - Bob Cummings as John Lennon in a dress (Lipstick and beads!) has got to be the most funny moment of the whole week! Bob we love you!! The cracks from the band - "What ever you do, don't lift the front of the dress up!" had us laughing all night, and Bob was such a good sport! You definitely suit red, Bob!! Most importantly, like The Beatles, A Hard Night's Day were a bunch of charming musicians who graced our shores! And we DEMAND them back next year, as we can't wait too long!!…
And if you never got the chance to see any of their shows here are the songs you missed!!

Not forgetting their awesome LP moment, the first, Please Please Me! It was a very classic moment! All that's left to say is thank you guys and keep those mails coming! Love You. Remember guys, don't you ever change - we kind of like you just the way you are! Bill, these have got to be the main band for the opening of the Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool in 2002! PLEASE!! They are awesome!!

Hard Night's Day are:
John Lennon - Bob Cummins
Paul McCartney - Mark Ehmann
George Harrison - Danny La Martyr
Ringo Starr - Doug Cox

Jo Rishton
TWIL Issue Two October 2000